Roadblocks everywhere I go...

I am about to give up on my dreams of DS WLS!  I went to a seminar in 2007 in Iowa but moved and didn't look into anything further.  Then in 2009 I decided that WLS was something that I NEEDED to do and since then I hit brick wall after brick wall. I went to TIABS (in Lenexa, KS) and did all the requirements, had a scheduled surgery date (Nov 30) and on Nov 13 I went to an appointment and found out they did not accept my secondary insurance so we cancelled everything.  Then in December I went to Tallgrass in Topeka and had to jump through more hoops & paperwork,  which I just finished and Tallgrass calls to tell me they are no longer taking my insurances (Medicare and Medicaid).  So I call several doctors in KS, MO & CO and they either didn't take my insurances or don't do the DS.  Today I called insurance and found out I could buy a "Medigap" policy and it would pay what Medicare wouldn't, so I called TIABS back and asked how soon could they do the surgery (remember I had had it scheduled with them once) and a lady comes on to tell me that Dr. Saborwal won't do the surgery on me due to the recommendation from my family doctor on Nov. 19 (a date by which time I had cancelled my appt/surgery with TIABS-so I have no idea why he would be talking to another, unknown-to-me-doc about me) anyway, (I had just seen my family doctor this week and I KNEW he was all for me having this surgery) so I asked who they were talking about and was told "Dr. McKnight".  I told them this is not my primary doctor and I don't even know who Dr. McKnight is, unless he was an ER doc at OMC and had met me there.  She said "yes, he is" and I said "well he's not my primary and doesn't know me, I even took an MMPI this week and passed and my psych. and family doctor would have different opinions since they know me and could I have Dr. Saborwal talk to them and she said "possibly, but once he makes up his mind he usually sticks to his decision" and she hung up!  WTF?!  I otained a number for this Dr. Knight and left him a voicemail to please call me and let me know what he told another doctor about me, especially since I didn't give either one permission to talk about me.  Then I called and left Dr. Saborwal a message to please call me and inform me of the issue and what was said.  I am ANGRY and now don't know what to do.  As a side note: when I first met Dr. Saborwal and said I wanted the BPD/DS he said "no way" since I have a fatty liver.  Anyone have any thoughts or ideas?  And if you know of any doctors who will do the DS AND accepts Medicare around KC area please let me know.    

the doctors in Columbia accept medicare but dont know if they do the DS . is there a great big reason why you are wanting that surgery? not trying to change your mind just wondered ....all i had when i had surgery was medicare and it paid almost all of it...had about about 1000.00 left to pay all together but i didnt mind it was well worth every penny....would take out a loan if i had to... hope we can help you more .

I have looked into all of the surgeries and I just feel that this is the best choice for me.  Yes, your doctor does accept the insurance but does not do the DS. 

I work for my surgeon and we have never had anyone cleared through Medicare for the Sleeve little lone the DS. We do not do the DS so have not tried to get that cleared but would be totally surprised if they do. I'm like Jan, I can't help but wonder if your search for a surgeon is not going to be as big of a problem as getting Medicare to cover the DS?
Sorry I can't be any more help but wanted to wish you luck in your quest,
Connie

im not real sure about this but does medicare even pay at all for the DS???

Have you tried Missouri Bariatrics in Columbia?  They do several types of WLS.  Jan's doctor is actually in Sedalia.  Missouri Bariatrics takes both Medicaid and Medicare.  Here is their number incase you have not tried them.  Also Missouri Bariatrics has a new thing on their website that you can go to seminar online and start from there.  Hope this helps.

www.muhealth.org/body.cfm

(573) 882-5673 or e-mail [email protected]

Gary J. Anthone M.D.
8111 Dodge St.
Ste. #220
Omaha, NE 68114
Phone: (402) 354-1320

Check out this dr, I have heard that he is one of the best. He does the DS  Good luck on your journey.

Thank you to everyone who wrote me.  I have called Dr. Anthone's office and am hopeful that my surgery may end up taking place afterall the setbacks. 
FYI:  I called Medicare and they DO pay for BPD/DS. 

Hey there I just had DS surgery with Dr Anthone in Nebraska on Jan 20 the insurance I have is Missouri Medicaid and they covered me.  He is a wonderful surgeon as well. No surgeon in Missouri performs DS surgery. 
Any questions let me know
NIkki